Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard has responded to Tony Adams’ claim that Mikel Arteta should replace him as skipper
Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard
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Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard has responded to criticism from club legend Tony Adams, insisting his leadership style is effective despite calls for a change.
The Norway international was appointed skipper three years ago and has since led a youthful Arsenal side from top-four hopefuls to consistent title contenders. However, after three consecutive runners-up finishes in the Premier League, Adams suggested a switch of captaincy could be the missing piece in Mikel Arteta’s quest for silverware.
Adams, who captained Arsenal to four league titles under George Graham and Arsène Wenger, believes Declan Rice embodies the qualities required to drive the Gunners over the line.
“The call is to make Declan Rice the captain,” Adams said. “I think Declan is my kind of captain, and it might free Odegaard up to play with a bit more freedom. Every now and again as a manager, you have to put someone who reflects you and the football club, someone who can actually take you to the next level.
“He (Arteta) has got an opportunity this year to turn into a winner. To win league titles, you have to be a Klopp, you have to be a Ferguson. You have to lead by example. That reflects in your captain. I’m seeing Declan Rice as a captain. But I’m saying to Arteta: step up now. It’s your time to be a winning manager, because you’re not going to win the league with Odegaard as captain.”
Arsenal - Tony Adams
Arsenal - Tony Adams
Odegaard, however, dismissed the notion that his style of leadership is lacking, describing his role as one built on consistency and collective responsibility.
“It’s a lot of small things, it’s hard to describe, more like a constant role,” he told Sky Sports. “For me, it’s about getting the best out of the team, giving the right mindset, and helping the players around me.
“Before the game, on the pitch I do a little team talk, and in the dressing room we have different people talking. It’s not just me, there’s a lot of people sharing responsibility, and the manager does a lot as well. It’s a shared thing, not just me all the time.”
Arteta also came to his captain’s defence ahead of Sunday’s clash with Manchester United at Old Trafford, praising Odegaard’s influence both on and off the pitch.
The debate over Arsenal’s captaincy is unlikely to fade quickly, but Odegaard remains firm in his belief that his leadership continues to serve the team as they prepare for another title push.